Item: The Friday Night Club
Rating: 4.00
Author: quirkycat

by Sofia Lundberg, Alyson Richman, and M.J. Rose

An International Bestseller

While men have long been credited with producing the first abstract paintings, the true creator was actually a woman – Swedish artist Hilma af Klint, who was inspired by her mystic visions. Acclaimed authors Sofia Lundberg, Alyson Richman, and M.J. Rose bring her story to life in this groundbreaking novel.

Early 1900s: The world belongs to men, and the art world in Stockholm, Sweden, is no different, until Hilma af Klint brings together a mysterious group of female painters and writers—Anna, Cornelia, Sigrid, and Mathilda—to form their own emotional and artistic support system. The members of the Friday Night Club find themselves thrust into uncharted territory when Hilma and her best friend, Anna, begin dabbling in the occult, believing that through séances they can channel unseen spirits to help them achieve their potential as artists. “The Five,” as Hilma referred to them, was a group of immensely talented, fascinating women whose lives and work were cast into obscurity...until now.

The Present: Over a century later, an associate curator at the Guggenheim Museum, Eben Elliot, brings the Hilma af Klint show to New York where he uncovers questions about the Five and how the modern day art world is funded, which puts him in a precarious position both emotionally and professionally, as he witnesses how history can be manipulated.

The Friday Night Club is an illuminating historical novel that explores destiny, passion, and the threads that connect five women as they challenge artistic and societal traditions.

ook Summary:

The world often associates some famous artworks and art styles with men. But if one were to look closer, one would find all the female artists that made up any artistic style – especially abstract.

Hilma af Klint is the true creator behind the abstract painting movement, contrary to popular belief. This is her story and the story of those that work tirelessly to uncover artistic history and facts.

My Review:

As an art and art history lover, I knew immediately that I would love The Friday Night Club. It's important to note that this is a work of historical fiction – so while there are true elements woven into the narrative, it is still largely a work of fiction.

I was surprised that The Friday Night Club had a dual narrative/timeline. One voice is set in the past (Hilma af Klint), and the other is set in the present (Eben Elliot). I honestly think the story would have been tighter and more interesting had we focused entirely on the historical element, but beggars can't be choosers, right?

Long story short, The Friday Night Club is an intriguing read, especially if you love art history with a fictional twist.

Highlights:
Historical Fiction
Dual Timelines
LGBT+
Art

Thanks to Berkley and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

You Can Also Find Me On:
Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat's Comics | The Book Review Crew | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Reedsy

The Friday Night Club

by Sofia Lundberg, Alyson Richman, and M.J. Rose

Reviewed by Quirky Cat on Jul 3, 2023

Reading updates